Trick Your Brain Into Slowing Time

We’re big promoters of slowing down and taking time for yourself, preferably with a cup of tea. But it’s difficult to slow down when time seems to move so quickly. The older we get, the more days and weeks seem to slip away. How often this week did you hear someone say “Can you believe it’s already September?” (Btw, can you believe it’s already September?) But it turns out this sensation is not just in our minds—it’s hardwired into our brains. This article on Holstee explains how:

When you’re a kid, you encounter a new idea or situation every day. Your brain takes all this in, creating “thick” memories with a lot of information about everything around you. But the more routine your life becomes, the less information you need about each passing moment. Your brain starts making “thin” memories.

Adults revert back to “thick” memories when they travel. Your mind hasn't learned what information is important about this new place, so it will try to store everything. This is called the “holiday paradox,” where a week-long vacation feels even longer while you're experiencing it, more like the way childhood felt.

Thankfully, we don't need a long vacation to feel the sensation of slowing time. Instead, try new small experiences throughout your day. Take a different route home from work, buy your morning coffee at that other coffee shop, hike a new trail, take a class, or pick up a new genre of book. The more strange a place or situation you place yourself in, the slower time will feel.